The Samsung Galaxy S series, particularly the Ultra models, has long been synonymous with cutting-edge camera technology, especially in the zoom department. Since the Galaxy S20 Ultra in 2020, Samsung has pushed the boundaries of mobile photography, making “Space Zoom” a highly desirable feature. But has the competition finally caught up? This article examines the Galaxy S25 Ultra’s zoom capabilities against its main rivals in the US market: the OnePlus 13, Pixel 9 Pro, and iPhone 16 Pro, to determine which phone truly boasts the best zoom.
Samsung’s Zoom Evolution: From S20 Ultra to S25 Ultra
Alt: A close-up of the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra showcasing its rear camera module.
Samsung enjoyed a period of dominance in the zoom arena, allowing them to refine their technology progressively. The S20 Ultra ignited the “zoom race,” while the S21 Ultra introduced the quad-camera setup with a dedicated 3x telephoto lens and a 10x periscope lens. The S22 Ultra retained this configuration, but the S23 Ultra brought a significant upgrade with a 200MP main sensor. Last year’s S24 Ultra saw a shift in strategy, replacing the 10x periscope lens with a 50MP 5x periscope lens. The S25 Ultra inherits this camera array but upgrades the ultrawide sensor to 50MP. While capable at lower zoom levels, the S25 Ultra’s 3x and 5x telephoto lenses face a surprising challenger at higher magnifications.
The Competition Heats Up: Apple, Google, and OnePlus Respond
Alt: Side-by-side comparison of the Galaxy S25 Ultra and Galaxy S24 Ultra, highlighting design differences.
Recognizing the demand for powerful zoom capabilities, competitors like Apple, Google, and OnePlus have developed their own approaches. Here’s a comparison of the camera specifications:
| Feature | Galaxy S25 Ultra | OnePlus 13 | Pixel 9 Pro | iPhone 16 Pro |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Main Camera | 200MP, f/1.7, 24mm | 50MP, f/1.6, 23mm | 50MP, f/1.7, 25mm | 48MP, f/1.8, 24mm |
| Ultrawide Camera | 50MP, f/1.9, 120° | 50MP, f/2.0, 15mm, 120° | 48MP, f/2.8, 123° | 48MP, f/2.2, 13mm |
| Telephoto Camera 1 | 10MP, f/2.4, 67mm, 3x | 50MP, f/2.6, 73mm, 3x | 48MP, f/2.8, 113mm, 5x | 12MP, f/2.8, 120mm, 5x |
| Telephoto Camera 2 | 50MP, f/3.4, 111mm, 5x | – | – | – |
| Selfie Camera | 10MP, f/2.4 | 50MP, f/2.6 | 42MP, f/2.2 | 12MP, f/1.9 |
Samsung remains the only contender in the US with a dual telephoto lens setup. However, hardware is only part of the story. Image processing, AI enhancements, and software optimization play a crucial role in the final image quality.
Zoom Shootout: Real-World Performance Comparison
Alt: Screenshot of the Galaxy S25 Ultra’s camera interface displaying the 100x Space Zoom option.
Extensive testing across various scenarios reveals a surprising outcome. While the S25 Ultra performs admirably against the Pixel 9 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro, especially at lower zoom levels and in detail retention, the OnePlus 13 emerges as a formidable challenger.
Alt: Sample image taken at 1x zoom with the Galaxy S25 Ultra, showcasing color accuracy and detail.
Alt: Sample image captured at 120x zoom with the OnePlus 13, demonstrating impressive detail and clarity.
Despite having only a single 3x telephoto lens, the OnePlus 13 delivers surprisingly sharp and detailed images, even at its maximum 120x zoom. Its AI-powered image processing effectively compensates for the hardware limitations, producing results comparable to, and sometimes exceeding, the S25 Ultra at higher zoom levels.
Video Zoom Performance: Smooth Transitions and Quality
Alt: The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra and Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max held side-by-side for comparison.
The S25 Ultra boasts “super smooth video zoom,” offering seamless transitions between lenses. This feature significantly improves video recording quality, putting it on par with the iPhone 16 Pro, and even surpassing it in zoom performance. While the Pixel 9 Pro performs well, the OnePlus 13 lags behind in video zoom stability and overall quality.
The Verdict: OnePlus 13 Claims the Zoom Crown
Alt: The OnePlus 13 and Galaxy S25 Ultra held side-by-side for a hands-on size comparison.
While the S25 Ultra remains a compelling flagship with features like the S-Pen, excellent portrait mode, and strong performance, the OnePlus 13’s exceptional zoom camera makes it a serious contender for the best camera phone in the US market. Its impressive zoom capabilities, combined with other strengths, make it a compelling alternative to the established players. For those prioritizing zoom performance, the OnePlus 13 has undeniably taken the crown from Samsung in the US.
